Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Indiana PT Day Focuses on Direct Access

More
than 530 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical
therapy students from Indiana gathered at the statehouse on January 30 to show
their support for HB 1034, which would provide direct access to physical
therapists. Over 50 legislators joined the members of the physical therapy
profession for lunch and to discuss the bill.

State
Sen Pat Miller and state Reps Dave Frizzell and Matt Ubelhor spoke to the crowd
and confirmed their commitment to passing direct access legislation. Indiana is
1 of only 3 states with no form of direct access to physical therapy treatment,
and the only state without direct access to a physical therapy evaluation. Many
Indiana Chapter members held signs with the messages: "49 states allow you
to see your PT directly … not Indiana" and "Hoosiers deserve direct
access to physical therapists."

The
House Public Health Committee hearing for HB 1034 will be held February 6. The
chapter is coordinating a team of chapter members to speak in support of the
bill. If it is approved by the committee, the bill would then go to the full
House of Representatives for consideration.